West Lothian-based business stole £8.8 million of VAT in employment agency scam
The stolen money funded lavish lifestyles, with cash splashed on gold bullion, diamonds, fast cars and expensive properties.
One director is already serving a six-year sentence for a separate sophisticated VAT fraud
The bosses of a corrupt payroll company that stole millions of pounds of VAT have been jailed for more than 22 years.
West Lothian-based Linear Services handled payroll for 27 employment agencies but didn’t hand over VAT they owed to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) during a two-year fraud.
Graeme Cullen, Leslie Thompson, Graham Newall and Martin Lang ran the firm that charged VAT on invoices totalling £8.8 million between 2015 and 2017. The court heard the gang lived extravagant lifestyles with huge amounts of money spent on expensive homes, holidays, diamonds and even gold bullion.
Thompson is already serving a six-year sentence for his role in an elaborate multi-million-pound tax fraud that led to convictions for a network of 20 corrupt company directors.
The 63-year-old, from Bathgate, West Lothian, was jailed in October, while his wife Beverley was handed a two-year suspended sentence for her role in the elaborate scam.
The gang were caught following a lengthy investigation by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, who worked alongside partners from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division.
Lang, 68, pleaded guilty on 30 January. Cullen, 54, Thompson, 63, and Newall, 49, were sentenced on 21 April after an eight-week trial at Glasgow High Court.
HMRC urges all businesses to carry out meaningful due diligence on any supply of services and anyone with any information about any type of tax fraud can report it to HMRC on GOV.UK.
The Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) extends its sincere thanks to its Board Members, staff, partners, and guests who attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 10 April 2026.
The meeting was chaired by Foysol Choudhury MBE (Former member of the Scottish Parliament), whose continued leadership, guidance, and vision remain instrumental to the organisation’s progress and impact.
The AGM commenced with a moving tribute to Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, KT, recognising his extraordinary contributions and enduring legacy. As an honorary member and one of ELREC’s founding figures in the 1970s, Sir Geoff’s influence has been deeply woven into the organisation’s history. Attendees observed a minute’s silence in his memory.
The event featured a series of insightful presentations from guest speakers. David Clark of Police Scotland provided important updates on policing efforts and highlighted ongoing work to address hate crime. Researchers Lucien Staddon Foster and Sholen Macpherson presented findings from their collaborative research with ELREC, focusing on the experiences of Black and racially minoritised communities in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Further details from these presentations are available below:
ELREC was also pleased to welcome Councillors Cammy Day, Katrina Faccenda, and Tim Pogson, providing an opportunity to share the organisation’s ongoing work and strengthen engagement with local leadership.
Over the past year, ELREC has delivered a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at promoting equality and diversity. These include women’s wellbeing programmes, energy advice services, environmental projects, community workshops, creative initiatives, and cycling programmes, among others.
Despite facing capacity challenges, ELREC remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering communities, building skills, and breaking down barriers. Through continued collaboration and partnership, the organisation is dedicated to fostering inclusion and creating equal opportunities for all.
The AGM concluded with a vote of thanks from Chair Foysol Choudhury MBE and Company Secretary Rajnish Singh.
To read the full 2024–2025 Annual Report, please visit:
EMPTY Kitchens Full Hearts wonderful Engagement Manager Leila is taking on this abseil challenge
If you visit EKFH, you’ll see Leila hard at work with our Engagement volunteers, making more than 60 wellbeing calls every week!
Leila speaks to our service users regularly – checking in to see how they are doing, and what more we can do to support them. This could be linking a family to a local clothing bank, putting a person in touch with an benefits check service, or issuing a foodbank voucher for household essentials.
Now, Leila is taking on the Port of Leith Distillery Abseil Challenge – 131ft for EKFH
Changes apply to non-commercial movements of dogs, cats and ferrets
From TODAY – Wednesday 22 April – new EU rules have come into effect covering how GB residents can travel to the EU with their pets. People can still travel to the EU with their pets, but they are strongly encouraged to check the latest guidance.
The changes, announced by the EU, apply to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain.
There are no major changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Great Britain.
Key updates include:
GB residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU. EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally. EU pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April 2026 may no longer be valid documents for entry to the EU. This means GB residents – even if they already have an EU pet passport – may need a different document to take their pet to the EU. To guarantee smooth travel, owners resident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.
Individual Member States may have specific pet travel requirements and pet owners should always check the specific entry requirements of the destination country before travel.
GB residents are still able to use EU pet passports for their return journey to GB.
Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) now last longer once you arrive, but they are still single‑use. Although you still need a new AHC for each trip from GB to the EU, the certificate can now be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and for re‑entering Great Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations remain valid.
If someone else travels with your pet, extra paperwork is needed. If the owner is not travelling with the pet, the pet must travel within five days of the owner, and the person accompanying the animal must carry written permission from the owner. This permission must travel with the pet’s travel document.
There is a new five‑pet limit per private vehicle. Non‑commercial travel into the EU is now limited to a maximum of five pets per private vehicle, rather than five per person. The existing limit of five pets for people travelling on foot stays the same. Exceptions apply for pets travelling to competitions, events or training, if specific conditions are met.
An APHA spokesperson said:From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible.
“Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination.
“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”
The Government’s guidance to pet owners has been updated to reflect these changes. For more information, visit:
Edinburgh College recently welcomed representatives from partner schools across Asia as it marked a significant step in the College’s growing partnership with PDVL (The Prince Foundation programme) and wider global engagement.
Representatives from partner schools in Japan and Thailand visited the College to meet with staff, tour facilities, and formalise partnerships through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), supporting student progression, credit recognition and wider academic collaboration.
In 2025, the College became a delivery partner for the PDVL programme, which provides a focused pre-university pathway, combining academic study with English language development and study skills to prepare students for progression to higher education. The College welcomed its first cohort in 2026, with students from China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Uzbekistan enrolling on the Business Pathway programme.
The launch of the PDVL programme marks the beginning of a new international partnership between the College and its partner schools, bringing together shared strengths and a common vision to deliver a globally relevant learning experience for the students involved. In addition, students benefit from established progression routes through PDVL’s articulation agreements with universities, supporting their onward academic journey.
Alongside programme delivery, the partnership has continued to develop through engagement with PDVL partner schools across Asia. In recent months, representatives from schools in Thailand and Japan also visited the College.
Scott Torrance, International Business Manager at Edinburgh College, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new students on the Prince Foundation programme and hope they are the trailblazers for a long relationship with PDVL.
“They arrive in Edinburgh at a great time of year as we move on from winter – we look forward to seeing our students blossom alongside the spring flowers!”
Angel Zhou, International Business Advisor at Edinburgh College, added: “This partnership reflects a shared long-term commitment to building sustainable international pathways, and we look forward to developing it further in the years ahead.”
David Low, Managing Director of PDVL Overseas Advisory Sdn Bhd, said: “From the very beginning, our partnership with Edinburgh College has been built on shared ambition and a genuine commitment to student success.
“The arrival of our first cohort is just the start – with Business and Science pathways on the horizon and a growing network of partner schools across Asia, the best is still ahead of us.”
Looking ahead, the partnership will continue to grow, with both Business and Science pathways planned from 2027, expanding opportunities for future cohorts.
Billpayers ‘set to benefit from a stronger energy regulator to ensure they are treated fairly’
Energy regulator Ofgem reformed to introduce stronger protections for consumers
Households supported with faster redress if they are let down by their supplier
Energy executives incentivised to act in consumers’ best interests
Billpayers are set to benefit from a stronger energy regulator, under reforms of its remit set out by the government today (22 April).
The transformation will empower the regulator to ensure energy consumers are treated fairly, including measures to guarantee good practice in the market. This is the first major update to Ofgem’s scope since the regulator was founded in 2000.
The comprehensive overhaul will give Ofgem new powers to act as a true consumer champion, including:
Stronger powers for the regulator to enforce consumer law directly, meaning it will no longer need to go through a lengthy courts process to make sure customers get what they are owed if companies treat them unfairly;
Measures to ensure energy bosses act on behalf of consumers, with powers for Ofgem to ban their bonuses if they break the rules;
Reforms to the regulator’s remit to focus on economic and consumer protection and ensure every energy consumer is protected, including the ability to regulate in new areas of the market if needed.
Since Ofgem was established, the market has grown more complex, with a wider range of products and services for consumers to choose from – with growing numbers of customers in parts of the market which are covered by little, if any, regulation.
That includes heating oil customers, who have seen prices spike following the start of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Last month the government announced funding worth over £50 million to support low-income families reliant on heating oil, and committed to introducing new consumer protections to the sector.
The changes announced today mark another step in that process, transforming Ofgem so that it is fit for the future and can ensure all consumers in today’s energy market are supported.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This Government is fighting people’s corner, and today we set out steps to strengthen protections for energy consumers.
“This includes tough and fair measures to ban energy company bonuses if they break the rules.”
Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said: “Every household must be given a fair deal, and today, we transform our energy regulator to give families stronger protections.
“We’re giving Ofgem stronger powers to fight consumers’ corner, changing their remit so they can protect every consumer, and introducing new measures so they can hold energy executives to account.
“We’re making the market work for those who use it, working with the regulator to make sure customers are put first.
“We will continue to stand up for working people and fight their corner as we tackle the affordability crisis – our number one priority.”
Interim Ofgem CEO Tim Jarvis said: “Great Britain’s energy system is going through the biggest changes in our lifetimes, and the regulator needs to be able to keep pace with that change.
“This review sets out ambitious, necessary reforms that will enable Ofgem to meet the challenges of regulating an increasingly electrified and flexible energy system and protect consumers so they can engage confidently in markets offering new products and services.
“We have delivered significant reforms in recent years, but this review enables us to make changes at a more systemic level to ensure we are delivering an energy system that works for consumers, that is attractive to investors and provides a stable, reliable environment for participants in the industry.
“With the tools, remit and clarity to deliver this, we look forward to working with the Government, consumer representatives and the energy sector to drive the change that’s needed – both in Ofgem and across the energy sector.”
To deliver the shift, Ofgem’s remit will be streamlined to focus on its core functions as an economic and consumer protection regulator. This involves removing Ofgem’s responsibility for oversight of home upgrade schemes in a role that is set to be performed within government by the Warm Homes Agency.
This will help equip Ofgem to drive forward clean power and economic growth, ensuring regulation supports innovation, unlocks investment in Britain’s electricity networks, and helps to modernise the energy system.
Ofgem’s capabilities will also be reformed, with its technical expertise strengthened, its use of data improved and its approach to risk reassessed – enabling the regulator to take faster decisions in the interests of consumers.
They will also develop a workforce plan, building on changes already underway, to ensure staff have the right skills to deliver the changes required, supported by stronger board‑level oversight of skills and culture.
The changes build on the reforms the government and regulator have already delivered to rebuild the energy retail market and improve standards in the sector – driving customer satisfaction with their suppliers to record highs.
They follow the government’s proposals to protect energy consumers with fairer, quicker and easier access to compensation when they are let down, as well as Ofgem’s plans to make sure suppliers’ Guaranteed Standards of Performance reflect the evolving energy system.
The plans come as the government is continuing to fight people’s corner in response to the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East. Yesterday (21 April) the Energy Secretary set out plans to go further and faster on the mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower and protect people from the increasing global fossil fuel price shocks.
Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice said: “We welcome the actions set out in the review, which will strengthen consumer protections, enable a fair transition to green energy and give Ofgem the tools it needs to enforce the rules.
“Ofgem should now seize the opportunity to bring about a more innovative market, with better choices and protections for consumers, ensuring energy suppliers know there are real consequences for falling short.
“Effective regulation is one pillar which underpins a well-functioning energy system. But consumers also need strong advocacy, trusted advice and the ability to get problems sorted quickly and fairly, so they can make informed decisions and know they won’t be left out of pocket if things go wrong.”
Laura Sandy CBE, Chair of the Energy Network Innovation Taskforce and Green Alliance said: “Excellent to see that the review is focused on the clarity of Ofgem’s role, streamlining its role to become a truly modern regulator, moving from technology-based regulation to a consumer centric model and being responsible for driving growth.
“While, consumer protection and network regulation are the core functions, I hope that these roles also mean driving growth, unlocking wider societal opportunity and delivering customers greater choice.
“The culture within the organisation is a strong theme throughout with the need to move from a process, input regulator, to a dynamic opportunity and risk regulator. Crucially there are excellent recommendations around independent assessment on progress supporting Ofgem in the delivery of their new remit.”
We are delighted to share that we have received a five year unrestricted grant totalling £250,000 through Bank of Scotland Foundation’s Empower programme!
This kind of support helps us strengthen our work and grow our impact over the long term. Thank you!
The Hailes Quarry Park course was officially opened this week by the Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Margaret Graham.
Disc golf is played in a similar way to traditional golf, but instead of clubs and balls, players throw a flying disc towards a fixed metal basket. Each hole begins at a designated tee area, with players continuing from where their previous throw lands until they reach the target.
With more than 12,000 courses worldwide, disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Despite its popularity, the nearest course to Edinburgh was located in Dunbar and required an entry fee.
The new course is free to use and open to everyone, offering a great opportunity for individuals, families, and groups to get outdoors and try something new.
Supported by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), it has been developed and will be maintained by the newly established Edinburgh Disc Golf Community (EDGC), helping to grow the sport locally.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “It’s fantastic to see more opportunities like this being introduced at Hailes Quarry Park. Having activities that are free and open to all makes a real difference, and I hope it encourages people of all ages to come along and give disc golf a go.
“I had such a great time having a shot on the course during the launch and I’m sure this will be a valuable addition for the community.
“Supporting people to be more active is a key priority, and initiatives like this play an important role in making that happen.”
Edinburgh Disc Golf Community member, Peter Dawson, said: “It is brilliant to finally be opening Edinburgh’s first disc golf course!
“The Scottish Open was first held on the Isle of Mull in 1992 and since then disc golf courses have been popping up all around Scotland so it’s brilliant to finally be opening Edinburgh’s first course!
“The Edinburgh Disc Golf Community formed in 2023 to bring disc golf to the city so it’s very exciting to see all our plans become a reality. Hailes Quarry Park is the perfect location, and we are incredibly grateful to the local community for their warm welcome to ‘The Quarry’.
“We can’t wait to share this fast growing, free to play, inclusive sport and welcome them into the community – if you can throw a frisbee you can play Disc Golf!”
Sophie Steenberg, founder of Steenbergs, makes a range of organic loose leaf teas at their Yorkshire factory, comments:
What should you look for when tasting a tea? What flavour notes should it have?
When tasting a tea look for freshness, no overpowering bitterness. Different teas suit different moods and different times of days, so floral lighter teas work well in the afternoon. Experiment and try out different teas and mix it up to find flavours you enjoy.
What is the difference between English breakfast and everyday tea?
English Breakfast is a blend, generally a “house blend”. We blend ours to our own recipe at the Steenbergs tea factory in North Yorkshire. It is traditionally a balanced medium strength tea with lots of different flavour notes combining. Everyday tea tends to be a cheaper less complex tea, often just one tea, that is about strength of tea not flavour notes.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when brewing tea?
There are a few big mistakes that people tend to make:
Not using fresh water when brewing – old water in the kettle gives that dishwater taste and doesn’t wake up the leaves to release the flavour. Tea needs the oxygen in freshly boiled water.
Making it with the wrong temperature water – too cold for black tea and too hot for green or white teas. Aim for 90–98°C for black tea and around 80°C for green tea.
Too short a brewing time – let loose leaf tea steep for around 3-5 minutes for black tea and 2-3 minutes for green and white teas.
Generally, I would advise people to choose a good quality loose leaf tea for a better tasting brew.
Is it bad to reheat tea or leave it sitting too long?
Yes, water should be fresh and if tea is brewed too long it becomes bitter.
Can tea support sleep, focus, or digestion – and which types are best?
Infusions and teas can help but there’s no magic cure. For better sleep, it’s about helping you get into the right mental framework. Slow yourself down, pause and take stock. Teas that can help to calm the mind and body for sleep include camomile or those with valerian in them.
If you’re looking to sharpen your focus, choose tea that contains caffeine, milk free green teas are great (don’t over brew these as they will get bitter and you don’t need a lot of leaf for the brew). Improve digestion with fennel, anise seed and mint teas.
What teas are best to drink in the morning vs evening?
Black teas are best drunk in the morning, and green or white teas in the evening. I drink only herbal teas after 5pm.
What ingredients should you look for in functional or wellness teas?
Simple mixes are best, nothing too complex and “no added ingredients” as they are usually not in large enough percentages to give the supposed impact.
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